NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull has initiated a significant renovation project for its Labor and Birthing Suite, backed by a budget of $20 million. This project, which commenced on August 21, 2023, is supported by $11 million in borough capital funding and aims to enhance facilities for families in North Brooklyn. The renovations are scheduled for completion in fall 2027.
Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Every family in Brooklyn deserves to welcome their child into the world in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.” The planned upgrades will modernize the unit, ensuring it meets the needs of families and healthcare providers alike.
Major Upgrades and Expansions Planned
The renovation will introduce several key features, including new birthing center rooms equipped with hydrotherapy tubs, an upgraded recovery area, and expanded operating rooms. These improvements are designed to streamline workflow and accommodate advanced medical equipment. Additionally, a simulation lab will be created to train staff in various delivery scenarios.
Other enhancements include improved family comfort spaces, reorganized nurse stations, and renovated medicine and recovery rooms. Hospital staff will also benefit from updated facilities, which will include break rooms, locker rooms, and on-call suites. The renovations will proceed in phases, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted throughout the construction period.
In 2024, Woodhull Hospital recorded nearly 1,000 births, positioning it as a critical provider of maternal care in the city. The investment in the Labor and Birthing Suite aligns with a broader city initiative aimed at improving maternal health services.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
This project is part of ongoing efforts to tackle maternal health disparities in New York City, where the maternal mortality rate for Black women is eight times higher than that of their white counterparts. Manuel Saez, PhD, Vice President of the Office of Facilities Development at NYC Health + Hospitals, highlighted the importance of these upgrades: “At NYC Health + Hospitals, we know that continued investment in our facilities is crucial to the communities we serve. These upgrades to the physical environment of Woodhull’s Labor and Birthing Suite will allow for a higher level of service and experience for the families of North Brooklyn.”
Reynoso’s broader maternal health agenda includes the establishment of the Maternal Health Task Force, funding for educational campaigns, and support for hospital infrastructure. Recent initiatives also feature community-based programs such as the “Born in Brooklyn” baby boxes and the Community Baby Shower Fund. Notably, his office has partnered with Brooklyn College to launch New York State’s first Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health, further enhancing support for families in the region.
The renovations at Woodhull Hospital represent a vital step forward in elevating maternal care standards and ensuring that all families in Brooklyn have access to safe and supportive birthing environments.